Secondly, and more significant, is a secret entry in Johanna Brandt's War Diary to a despatch (with some contradictions, for instance, that Hendrik Kock (sic) was sentenced to lashes and not executed as reported)...

August 17th 1901. Harmony. Pretoria.

The following official despatch was brought us a few days ago from our generals by spies.

"Outcome of investigation of detained "handsuppers" by Field Cornet Badenhorst at Zandspruit. Last Thursday, on the farm of H. van Groeneveld name not clearly written the following were sentenced to death G. Brits, C. Brits, P. Brits, O. Brits four sons of G. B[rits]. Hendrik Kock and Martiens Brits each 20 lashes and outlawed. F. Kock, L. Joubert, L. Kock each 25 lashes and outlawed. One D.G. Oosthuizen becomes state witness. In a skirmish last Monday F. Kock killed in action, his son Lodewyk wounded. The sentences carried out last Friday."

The editor adds, "This report could not be confirmed by other sources."
Colin Garvie